Cazaly, Roy

Roy Cazaly, (born Jan. 13, 1893, Albert Park, Vic., Austl.—died Oct. 10, 1963, Hobart, Tas., Austl.), Australian rules football player who was renowned for his extraordinary marking ability. He was the inspiration for the phrase “Up there Cazaly,” which became a battle cry used by fans and Australian troops in war and which gave rise to poems and songs. In 1979 the song “Up There Cazaly” topped the national record charts, and it has become a famous Australian anthem.

Cazaly began his career at St Kilda (Vic.) Football Club in 1911 as a ruckman. He remained there until 1920, thereafter having a checkered career playing for and coaching a number of clubs (most notably South Melbourne) across several competitions. Cazaly is distinguished as the oldest person to have competed in league football, having played in 1941 at age 48. He retired from coaching in 1951, ending a career in the sport that spanned five decades. Standing only 5 feet 11 inches (1.8 metres) tall, Cazaly had an impressive leaping ability and a knack for regularly marking the ball with one hand.

While coaching Hawthorn (Vic.) Football Club in the early 1940s, he changed its nickname from the Mayblooms to the more ferocious Hawks. He played 18 total state matches for Victoria and later Tasmania. In 1996 he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame and elevated to Legend status.